Friday, December 13, 2019

Happy Holly Daze!

An orator without judgment is a horse without a bridle.
-Theophrastus

Happy Friday the 13th!
Happy December, Everyone! Happy Friday the 13th!!, December 13 is the 347th Day of the year!. 18 days remain until the end of the year. It is National Egg Nog Month!  Happy Birthday to Dick Van Dyke.
Revival of Oklahoma! opened on Broadway (1979). I WAS THERE!  Revival of Peter Pan starring Cathy Rigby opened on Broadway (1990)
A Little Night Music revived (1st time) on Broadway (2009). I went with #DanaLorge to see this. Carpe Diem!

Today, I celebrate everyone's art. Today's social media engagement: Comment on something mentioned in this thread and let's keep the next 24 hours upbeat!   Have something to promote? Post it here! Now, go out and so something nice for someone without expecting anything in return!
In honor of Friday the 13th, Betsy Palmer
Celebrate the gifts you have to offer the world! Did you do your Morning Pages? Have no clue what I am referring to? Today, celebrate your crazy ideas and surround yourself with those who will support those ideas! Make it a great weekend! Recommended reading: The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks.

I'm starting a new blog series today.

Ten People/Events on My Mind: 

1) Barbra Streisand. Barbra Streisand is always on my mind. She is one of my Holy Grail interviews. Barbra Streisand's impressive career spans over six decades and has garnered her great acclaim. She's won dozens of awards and is one of the few entertainers to collect an EGOT - an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award. Read this great article celebrating her career.
A Guide to Barbra Streisand Movie Musicals! Source: BroadwayWorld

2. 7th Annual Sandy Hook Remembrance Vigil Tomorrow at 10 am! Just a friendly reminder that
tomorrow is the 7th anniversary Sandy
Hook Vigil and Protest in front of the NRA headquarters.  The event is
 from 10 -11 am and will feature guest speakers including Rep. Gerry
Connolly, Speaker Designate Eileen-Filler Corn, and the MFOL Virginia,
Director of Diversity and Inclusion, Elizabeth Paul.  We will also get  to hear the magical Crys Matthews perform her beautiful and powerful songs. Click HERE for more info.

3.A HOLIDAY CABARET BRUNCH Hosted by Andrea Marcovicci and Clifford Bell.
A Benefit for PROJECT ANGEL FOOD
Featuring -LOIS BOURGON, JANE KINSEY, DAVID LUCKY, KERRY POWELL plus LIZZY AND THE PALM~
With Special Guest TODD MURRAY
and a Special Appearance by the legendary ARTIE BUTLER-
Doors Open at Noon for Brunch Show at 1pm
ALL PROCEEDS GO TO PROJECT ANGEL FOOD

4. Nancy Opel! Today is her birthday! I love her. She also happens to be one of the Dollys in my CallonDolly.com:  A Celebration of the Women (and a few Good Men!) who Have Played Dolly...and those that Have Supported Them!
Dolly Project. Check out
Check out photos that were posted of her when Dolly opened at The Signature Theatre in 2013 by clicking HERE.

5. The 11th Annual Legacy Awards for Dancers Over 40.
The honorees were Candy Brown, Cheryl Clark, Michon Peacock and Kathryn Doby (not present) plus their speakers Eden Lane, Dennis Grimaldi and Cristine Dhimos and host, ME, and performer Pattaya HartPlu Sayampol. — at Lips Drag Queen Show Palace, Restaurant and Bar. Monday Night, December 9th, I am honored that I was asked to host.

6. Robert L. Gedaliah
I was so saddened to hear of Robert's passing yesterday. My life is the better for having had him in it.
There will be a celebration of a life well-lived as we gather to remember Robert L. Gedaliah.
 Thursday, December 19th at 2:00 pm
Redeemer Presbyterian Church West Side
150 W 83rd Street (5th floor) in New York
Please consider a donation to the Gedaliah's GoFundMe Campaign. Rande is in urgent need of financial support in order to cover Robert's funeral and medical costs as well as her own care and medical support.
If you wish, please leave a comment for Rande as we collect and print all the comforting and encouraging notes she receives from friends far and wide.
We will meet to honor a great Mensch and to share stories, memories, and laughter as Robert wished that we would remember him.

7.Winter Rhythms
ALPHER AND LITT’S SONGS FOR SAPIOSEXUALS CD RELEASE SHOW
Saturday, December 14, 2019 at 2:00PM
Urban Stages (Frances Hill, Founding Artistic Director and Tom Toce , Musical Director) announces the line-up for this year's award-winning series, WINTER RHYTHMS 2019, which began Wednesday, December 11 with ME! It continues through Saturday, December 21, 2019 at Urban Stages Theatre (259 West 30th St., East of 8th).
Click Here to buy tickets.
With Jennie Litt and David Alpher 
and special guests: 
Kim Grogg
Drew Minter
Suzanne Gilchrest, flute
Kurt Henry, guitar
Boots Maleson, bass

8. Shawn Ryan Live! Shawn Ryan performs "The 12 Days of Christmas" on stage for the Richmond Ermet AIDS Foundation Benefit on Dec. 4th, 2011 at the Marines Memorial Theatre in San Francisco, CA.

9. Imelda Staunton in Hello, Dolly!
A brand new production of Hello, Dolly! is coming to the Adelphi Theatre in London for a strictly limited run! Based on Thornton Wilder’s play The Matchmaker, the musical stars multi Olivier and BAFTA Award-winning Imelda Staunton (Harry Potter), who is reunited with highly-accomplished director Dominic Cooke. Featuring a book by Michael Stewart (42nd Street) and music and lyrics by the legendary Jerry Herman (La Cage aux Folles), the timeless score includes Put On Your Sunday Clothes, It Only Takes a Moment and, of course, Hello, Dolly!

10. Happy Birthday, John Davidson! 
From John: Today I am 78. Are you kidding me! I feel great. It's just that my bathroom is the only room in my house that I go into and don't ask myself, "Why did I come in here?"' Read MORE

And Keep in Mind...
Christine Pedi Photo by Genevieve Rafter Keddy
Longtime Sirius XM RADIO personality and musical theater powerhouse Christine Pedi (Chicago, Forbidden Broadway, Newsical the Musical) conjures up Barbra Streisand, Patti LuPone, Liza Minnelli, Julie Andrews, Carol Channing in her joyful and triumphant Snow Bizness. Read MORE

Acclaimed drag queen and 2 time MAC Award winner singer, Doris Dear, announces the all new "Doris Dear 2019 Christmas Special"! The Doris Dear Christmas Special has quickly become a holiday tradition in NYC. Read MORE



Sue Matsuki is at Maureen's Jazz Cellar in Nyack this eve!  Click HERE

If you see this and would like to send me a Holiday gift, click HERE

Sunday Dec. 15 3pm at St John's Lutheran Church 81 Christopher Street. No cover, love offering
taken.
As well as lots of amazing inspirational music and message, Reverend Yolanda will also have a potluck buffet. She is bringing vegan "mac and cheese', rice and veggies, and orange marmalade "brownie' with dark chocolate icing, as well as holiday cookies and wine. Go join the music, message,  and food- and take a snack to share- Dec.15, this Sunday 3pm at St. John's Lutheran Church, 81 Christopher St. in the Village.




Now, go and do something nice for someone without expecting anything in return!


Thank you all! Here's To a Great End of 2019/Beginning of 2020


A Few Audience Testimonials about Richard Skipper Celebrates

So there I was, working to generate an audience for my Ahrens and Flaherty show to be performed in
Los Angeles, and at the same time creating an entirely new show with Alex Rybeck for The Beach CafĂ© (Movie Nite). The shows were only 3 weeks apart. Having worked with Richard Skipper before and been blown away by his commitment and skill as a marketer, I nonetheless, decided to try to save a bit of money and do it myself this time. GREAT LESSON to be quickly reminded that trying to save money was draining my life energy with the amount of time and effort I was putting into doing something I’m not even good at, and best left to the experts. 
Richard is that person for me. I TREASURE him. He’s got a quick mind, is never-endingly creative and invested in my success, and most important, delegating the marketing to his more-than-capable
hands left me time to fully immerse in my work as a performer -- and sleep. Yes, turns out sleep is important for performers. Not to mention he was far more effective. Thankfully he was available to jump in and take over for Movie Nite. And turns out spending the money (and he is extremely reasonable) saved me in the long run by making wiser decisions based on his advice, and the benefits of Richard’s work doesn’t end when the show is over. Oh no, it reverberates. 
He has become as essential to me as having a music director. Truly.
-Ann Kittredge, NYC   https://annkittredge.com/

I usually attend these events (Dancers Over 40 Celebration of Marge Champion) as a theater critic, but since I had a friend involved in the first portion of the evening's show (celebrating Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat), I went as a spectator. I had known OF Richard Skipper but had never seen him onstage. 
He was remarkably charming, knowledgeable, and friendly to the entire panel. Consequently, it was well received by a gracious audience. Bravo!
Ryan Leeds, NY

with Bryon Sommers
I was fortunate enough to go see Richard Skipper’s show in Conway, SC Saturday night Sept 28th, 2019.. Richard is the most amazing story teller, performer and artist I've seen!! He brought you through his life ”From Conway to Broadway ” as if you were tagging along with him his entire career! Funny, happy, excited and always smiling, what an honor to know Richard and call him my friend!! So very proud of Richard and a share his passion for show biz and life!!!
Sheri Richardson Richard,North Myrtle Beach, SC

With grateful XOXOXs,

 


Please LIKE (if you do!) and SHARE!

NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.  FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY!

Please do what YOU can to be more aware that words and actions DO HURT...but they can also heal and help!  

  Keeping America great through Art!     

Here's to an INCREDIBLE tomorrow for ALL...with NO challenges!
Please leave a comment and share on Twitter and Facebook
Keeping Entertainment LIVE!

TILL TOMORROW...HERE'S TO AN ARTS FILLED DAY
Richard Skipper, Richard@RichardSkipper.com
This Blog is Dedicated to Dick Van Dyke and Christopher Plummer  who share a birthday today!
 
 





Saturday, August 17, 2019

Cabarabia: Clifford Bell and Friends, Michael Feinstein, Michael Kirk Lane...and MORE!

I have decided to stick with love because hate is too great a burden to bear - Martin Luther King, Jr.

Happy August 17th, 2019!
August 17 is the 229th day of the year. 136 days remain until the end of the year.

Happy Birthday, Georgia Gibbs!
Happy Birthday, Maureen O'Hara!

Due to writing a show and LIFE, it has been a while since I sat down to write, but I felt a need to write about today's topic: Cabarabia: Clifford Bell and Friends. I've done several blogs over the years on Clifford's annual celebration of all things Barbra Streisand.
From the Producer of "OUR NAME IS BARBRA", now in our 22nd year!

SUNDAY, AUGUST 18 at 7:30pm

"CABARABIA: CLIFFORD BELL AND FRIENDS"

Acclaimed Cabaret Producer/Director Clifford Bell hosts of an evening of his talented friends.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 18 - Rockwell Table  and Stage

CABARABIA: CLIFFORD BELL AND FRIENDS
Featuring (live always subject to change)
alphabetically

CATTE ADAMS & MARC HUGENBERGER
EILEEN BARNETT
BLACK MARKET REVERIE
MARY BOGUE
ARTIE BUTLER
CHERYL CRANDALL
KIKI EBSEN
ILENE GRAFF & BEN LANZARONE
and more TBA!!

Musical Directors DAVID SCOTT COHEN, MICHAEL COLLUM and MITCH KAPLAN on piano,
KIRSH on bass, TOM BOWE on drums and JULIE SAX on sax!!!!
FOR TICKETS, Click HERE
Wish I could be there! Please GO! and leave a comment on this blog with your thoughts!

I saw this quote today and wanted to share it with you: Early in life, we follow the path mapped out by ego, a path of ambition, competition, and striving. When midlife dawns, we too often find ourselves stranded in a lonely and desolate place we never intended to visit. 
Our feelings of sadness and frustration tell us we took a wrong turn. Like a shift in the wind or a change in the tide, the yearning we feel at midlife is a call to renewal. The shift shows us the path home, the path to rediscovering our true self, our purpose, and the life of meaning that is our true calling.-Wayne Dyer 

In other News...

Liz Lark Brown
Five-time Grammy nominee Michael Feinstein returns for his annual summertime engagement with a brand-new show of musical delights! In I Happen to Like New York, Feinstein will tip his hat in celebration of the great city of Manhattan with a special tribute to Bobby Short.
54 Below, Saturday, August 17th – Friday, August 23rd shows at 7pm nightly.

Three time MAC nominee and 2018 BroadwayWorld Cabaret Award Winner for Best Show, Michael Kirk Lane's Why? Just because! at Don't Tell Mama, Monday, August 19th at 7:00pm

Max Von Essen, Call Me Old Fashioned: The Broadway Standard, Plays at Birdland, Monday, August 19th
Tony Award nominated leading man, Max von Essen, will celebrate the release of his debut solo recording, Call Me Old Fashioned: The Broadway Standard, (LML Music), with one show at Birdand on Monday, August 19th at 7pm. Call Me Old Fashioned: The Broadway Standard embraces von Essen’s love of the golden age of Broadway and the American Songbook.

MAC (Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs), Bistro and Nightlife Award winning singer Liz Lark Brown is one of the featured guests joining piano bar entertainer and Host of Piano Bar Live, Michael McAssey tomorrow night Sunday Aug. 18th at 6:30pm at The Duplex.  I'm also part of this! 
Liz Lark Brown is a NYC-based actor/singer/voiceover artist. As a founding member of The Musical Theatre Factory, she is fortunate to have been a part of many new works by up-and-coming, award-winning composers. Liz is a longtime member of Joe Iconis & Family, and is so thankful to have a whole other family in the many wonderful and amazingly talented folks she’s worked with for years in piano bars (Don’t Tell Mama, Rose’s Turn, the Encore, Rubyfruit’s, and most recently, Brandy’s).
The other featured guests are Broadway star Karen Mason, pianist Mark Hartman and Broadway's
Gabrielle Elisabeth (Beautiful).
There is NO COVER CHARGE for PIANO BAR LIVE just a two Drink Minimum!
Please visit http://www.purplepass.com/pbl0818 to reserve tickets.

Opera at SpoonfedNYC - "A Night in Disney" - Monday, August 19th - 7pm 

Songs from Beauty and the Beast, Tangled, Frozen, The Little Mermaid and Aladdin

Performed by Opera New York - Diected by Scott O'Bren
Artistic Director: Judith Fredricks 
Pianist: Michael Pilafian 
SpoonfedNYC is located at 331 W. 51st (bet. 8th and 9th Aves )

$10 Cover - $24 Food/Drink Minimum
For Reservations call: 212-580-7336 

Presented by Opera New York - www.operanewyork.com - 212-580-7336

“LOL Nidrei: Unforgivably Naughty Jewish Comedy” Returns to The Duplex August 22 at 9:30pm

LOL Nidrei: Unforgivably Naughty Jewish Comedy returns to The Duplex after a smash hit last year. There’s no better preparation for the Jewish High Holy Days and after seeing this show, you’ll have to repent. The show (produced by Dana Friedman) will be at The Duplex on Thursday, August 22 at 9:30pm.

Bristol Riverside Theatre concludes its Summer Music Fest series with a trip to the Great White Way...BRT style. Back by popular demand, Broadway Summer Spectacular brings Broadway to Bristol in one sensational concert, August 15-25. It'll be an evening packed with Broadway's best from composers like Andrew Lloyd Webber, Jerry Herman, and Leonard Bernstein. Led by Keith Baker and the BRT Concert Band, the program features BRT favorites Elyse Langley, Michele Sexton, Liam Snead, and Tasha Waters. Read MORE
Birdland will kick-off their great week of programming with the following act: August 26 (Monday) at 7:00PM
Klea Blackhurst "One of the Girls"
Singer/actress Klea Blackhurst turns her long association with one of Broadway's most esteemed composers, Jerry Herman, into a brand new solo show, "One Of The Girls." The show will focus attention on the powerful, loving and memorable women in Jerry's life...both real, like his dear mother Ruth and characters like Mame, Dolly Levi and Zaza.

Jim Caruso's Cast Party will make it's Nashville debut on Saturday, September 7 at 8pm. The "extreme open mic," hosted by Caruso and accompanied by Billy Stritch, will take place at The Franklin Theatre (419 Main Street, Franklin, TN).

The balance of life and death and how life can turn on a dime was originally on a double bill at The
Public Theatre, last night it opened on Broadway at the Hudson Theater. 
Simon Stephens’, Sea Wall starring Tom Sturridge begins the evening and Nick Payne’s, A Life starring Jake Gyllenhaal finishes up this contemplative evening of masterful acting. Read MORE

John Davidson will be back to NYC at @birdlandjazz (9/9). Birdland sold out last time, so get your tickets now! johndavidson.com/appearances

Carol Ostrow AND THE ACTORS' TEMPLE BOARD OF DIRECTORS are celebrating their 103rd year with a Fall Benefit for the temple, Mark William, COME CROON WITH ME. Mark William, an incredibly talented young singer and dancer who frequently appears on New York stages, will be performing in the beautiful shul on 47th Street. The benefit will take place on Monday, November 18, 2019 from 7:30pm-10:00pm in their very own recently renovated sanctuary located at 339 West 47th Street, NYC. $75 tickets are now on sale at www.theactorstemple.org/events.
Read MORE

The beloved Tony Award-winning musical You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown is hitting the road beginning in January 2020. 
Directed by Michael Unger, this reimagined production will celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the Peanuts comic strip and the treasured characters created by Charles M. Schulz.

SAVE THE DATE: October 16th:  I am producing and moderating an event for Dancers Over 40 on October 16th in NYC celebrating Marge Champion. Can you believe she is turning 100 on September 2nd! I just had lunch with her a few months ago in LA and am happy to report she is still going strong! I have John Anthony Gilvey (Before the Parade Passes By: Gower Champion and the Glorious American Musical), Greg Vander Veer (https://www.documentary.org/online-feature/meet-docuweeks-filmmakers-greg-vander-veer-keep-dancing)  and Larry Fuller in place.
Now, go and do something nice for someone without expecting anything in return!


Concetta Bertoldi FB Live With Richard Skipper

 NYT best selling author & medium, and talks about her new book! To watch click follow on FB Richard Skipper and click the link #ConcettaBertoldi


A Few Audience Testimonials about Richard Skipper Celebrates
Richard Skipper is a charming, endearing person, with a passion for his craft but most of
all a passion for helping others. His interview skills are flawless, seamless, and get results. We are so pleased he gave a terrific show, but even more pleased he interrupted his busy schedule to help us promote our new book! Nurses on the Inside- Ellen Matzer
Wow!!! I cannot adequately express how very much I enjoyed Richard Skipper' show on August 5th!!! He was endearing and he has amazing stage presence!!! LOVED hearing him sing!!! I realize I
have known Richard (Ricky) a long time but I had not seen him on stage for 10 years! I laughed, cried and thoroughly enjoyed EVERY moment! He is amazing!!! I am so deeply thankful I was able to be there for his special night!!! I look forward to his next performance!!! Giant hugs!❤️ He really is talented!!!
Vickie Byrd, NC

I was so happy to see Richard Skipper's anniversary show at St. Luke's on August 5th! He is a consummate entertainer. The show was fun and engaging. Richard is a natural entertainer who is clearly full of joy on stage. I also learned something - he and I share the same favorite movie! NYC is the better that he braved moving here 40 years ago.
-Lisa Dennett



Visit RichardSkipper.com to learn about Richard Skipper's next event. You never know who
you might see there and what might happen! If you have attended a Richard Skipper Celebrates Event, please add your thoughts in the GuestBook at RichardSkipper.com

With grateful XOXOXs,

 

Please LIKE (if you do!) and SHARE!

NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.  FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY!
This Blog is Dedicated to Horace! I miss you, buddy!


Please do what YOU can to be more aware that words and actions DO HURT...but they can also heal and help!  
  Keeping America great through Art!     

Here's to an INCREDIBLE tomorrow for ALL...with NO challenges!

Please leave a comment and share on Twitter and Facebook
Keeping Entertainment LIVE!

TILL TOMORROW...HERE'S TO AN ARTS FILLED DAY

Richard Skipper, Richard@RichardSkipper.com